Simple Brass Loupe-Style Microscope

Bearing a close resemblance to the modern photographer's loupe, this simple microscope was made around 1800 by an unknown craftsman. The model featured below was redrawn from a photograph of the original microscope, which is part of the Billings microscope collection at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington DC.

The microscope consists of a conical-shaped brass tube, which has a low power lens secured with a screw cap on one end. The other end has a one inch diameter object glass that is also held into place with a screw cap. A wooden handle is inserted into the brass tube.